ENG-2007 — Page 461

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During the year, Internet Express Terminals were set up in nine libraries on a trial basis. The service will be expanded to more libraries next year. To further promote self-service by end-users, five additional self-charging terminals were installed in branch libraries.

The Multimedia Information System (MMIS) offers the public instant access to a wide variety of digital documents as well as audio and video programmes on demand. It provides a powerful one-stop search facility enabling library users to explore multimedia archives via the Internet at home or through some 600 workstations in 27 public libraries. Continuous enhancements have enabled users to enjoy a more effective multi-media information service. The MMIS has been honoured with a number of awards granted by institutions in Hong Kong and abroad for its intelligent use of advanced technology in running an effective information service.

Outreach Programmes and Promotion of Reading and Literary Arts

Outreach programmes form an integral part of the library services. In 2007, the HKPL continued to organise a balanced mix of activities for people of all ages. Regular programmes like storytelling sessions, book exhibitions, and community talks were held throughout the year. A total of 18 522 library outreach programmes were carried out in 2007. A variety of reading programmes and reading-related activities were organised to promote reading and sustain an interest in reading. These included a programme called 'Summer Reading Month' designed for children and their families.

Teens' Reading Clubs were formed at 31 public libraries during the year and Family Reading Clubs were set up in Hong Kong's four major libraries. Creative competitions held under the title 'Hong Kong My Home' were organised to celebrate '4.23 World Book Day' and the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR.

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Several special programmes and competitions were held to promote creative writing and appreciation of literature. These included the 9th Hong Kong Biennial Awards for Chinese Literature which was organised in conjunction with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council to encourage Hong Kong writers to seek perfection and local publishers to publish quality books. The libraries joined forces during the year to organise a Chinese Poetry Writing Competition and a competition on story writing in Chinese for students. They also partnered with other organisations to hold territory-wide reading sessions for ordinary folk.

Cultural Exchange

During the year, Hong Kong's public libraries continued to cooperate and strengthen ties with their counterparts elsewhere using the Internet to keep in touch and share library news and matters of mutual interest. HKPL and the Shenzhen Library held writing competitions to celebrate '4.23 World Book Day'. Shenzhen's winning works were displayed alongside Hong Kong's winning pieces at the Central Library, while Hong Kong winners' works were exhibited in Shenzhen.